January 15th is National Bagel Day 2021, the official date to honor and enjoy the bagel this year. The humble bagel, once known as obwarzanek, is believed to have originated as a ring of bread in Poland during the 14th century. The bagel began to trend in the U.S. in the ’70s, and today is a well-known and popular breakfast grab-and-go.
It’s estimated that more than 200 million Americans consumed a bagel in 2020. The most popular bagel is up for debate, depending on what region of the country and what time of day it’s being consumed. However, the flavors often ranking near the top are plain, cinnamon raisin, sesame and everything.
How can you celebrate the bagel on the “most holey day” of the year? Take advantage of free bagel deals on National Bagel Day, and enjoy breakfast on the house. Even better, most deals are available from January 15 through the end of the month.
Every year, we post the best offers here. Keep checking back — more deals will be added as they’re confirmed.
Here’s where you can score a FREE bagel on National Bagel Day 2021:
Bruegger’s Bagels: Chew on a FREE, fresh-baked and authentic New York-style bagel and cream cheese with any purchase at Bruegger’s Bagels — when you order ahead through its app. The offer is available from January 15th to 31st at participating locations. Limit one per person.
There are 199 Bruegger’s Bagels shops in 22 states.
In the Charlotte area you’ll find them at:
- 4327 Park Road, Charlotte
- 106 South Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte
- 8706 Pineville Matthews Road, Pineville
- 1905 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews
- 20619 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Receive any egg sandwich of your choice at Einstein Bros. Bagels, including customer favorites like the Farmhouse and Chorizo Sunrise, for FREE with any purchase — only when you order ahead through its app. The offer is available from Jan. 15 to 31. Limit one per person.
Participating locations only. In the past, some Einstein Bros. Bagels stores at colleges have not participated in promotions.
Einstein Bros. offers 707 locations nationwide.
In the Charlotte area you’ll find them at:
- Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College Street, Charlotte
- UNC Center City, 320 E 9th Street, Charlotte
- 1501 South Blvd, Charlotte
- Queens University, 1900 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte
- Airport, 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway, Charlotte
- UNC Main Campus, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte
- 13736 Conlan Circle, Charlotte
- Winthrop University, 112 Thompson Hall, Rock Hill, SC
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
Deals offered by national chains are usually "participating locations only." We can't generally verify participation with a particular location, so we encourage you to contact the location to make sure. In addition, limited time offers can end without warning.
You might also be interested in:
Upcoming Food and Drink related deals and events
Check out our big list of food and drink deals and events in Charlotte, or look at a few of the deals here:
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Monday, January 25, 2021
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Friday, January 29, 2021
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Monday, February 1, 2021
Various locations
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
James says
The two establishments you mentioned for Free bagels make nothing more than steamed dough.
Ah, the debate begins!